Whooping cough, an epidemic in California: Symptoms and vaccines
As per the health officials, what California is facing has now become the state's biggest outbreak of pertussis since 1958.
AS PER the health officials, what California is facing has now become the state's biggest outbreak of pertussis since 1958. This contagious disease is more commonly known as whooping cough due the distinctive whoop that occurs when sufferers cough and gasp for breath.
The doctors suggest vaccination for children against this disease. As of June 15, a total of 910 cases have been confirmed in the state. Another 600 suspected cases are currently being investigated by local health officials.
Officials fear the surge in whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is about to get much worse. The case load this year is 400 percent higher than last.
So far, the epidemic has left five babies dead all of who were latino. The area where maximum cases have been reported consists of latino agricultural workers. The number of infections is on pace to break a 50-year record.
Officials fear the surge in whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is about to get much worse. The case load this year is 400 percent higher than last.
A typical whooping cough starts with a cough and runny nose for a couple of weeks, followed by weeks or months of rapid coughing fits that sometimes end with a whooping sound. Fever is not a symptom though.
Most vulnerable to this disease are unimmunized or incompletely immunized babies. Three vaccines are administered for whooping cough, from 2 to 6 months of age. Neither getting vaccinated nor surviving the illness provides lifetime immunity. Booster shots have also not been very successful this time.
Health officials say whooping cough is cyclical and tends to peak every two to five years.
Health officials say whooping cough is cyclical and tends to peak every two to five years.
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